> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/pocketbase/pocketbase/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# PocketBase - Open source backend in 1 file

> Build your backend with an embedded database, realtime subscriptions, file storage, user management, and admin dashboard UI in a single portable file.

<img className="block" src="https://i.imgur.com/5qimnm5.png" alt="PocketBase - open source backend in 1 file" />

## Your backend in a single file

PocketBase is an open source Go backend that gives you everything you need to build modern applications. Download a single executable and you're ready to go—no complex setup, no dependencies, no configuration files.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Get started in minutes" icon="rocket" href="/quickstart">
    Download the executable and launch your backend with a single command
  </Card>

  <Card title="Installation guide" icon="download" href="/installation">
    Install PocketBase as a standalone app or integrate it as a Go library
  </Card>

  <Card title="REST API reference" icon="code" href="/api/overview">
    Explore the built-in REST API for authentication, CRUD operations, and realtime subscriptions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Extend with Go" icon="brackets-curly" href="/go/overview">
    Use PocketBase as a Go framework to build custom business logic
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Everything you need, built-in

PocketBase combines essential backend services into a single portable package:

### Embedded SQLite database

You get a full-featured database with realtime subscriptions out of the box. No separate database server required—everything runs in a single process.

### File and user management

Built-in authentication with email/password, OAuth2 providers, and file storage with automatic image resizing. User management and access control work seamlessly together.

### Admin dashboard UI

Manage your database schema, browse records, and configure settings through a beautiful web interface. The admin UI is included in the executable—no separate installation needed.

### REST-ish API

A clean, intuitive API that handles authentication, CRUD operations, file uploads, and realtime subscriptions. Connect from any platform using the official JavaScript or Dart SDKs.

## Two ways to use PocketBase

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Standalone executable" icon="terminal">
    Download the prebuilt binary and run `./pocketbase serve`. Perfect for rapid prototyping or production deployments.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Go framework" icon="golang">
    Import PocketBase as a library and extend it with your custom business logic. Build a single executable with all your code included.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  PocketBase is under active development. Full backward compatibility is not guaranteed before reaching v1.0.0.
</Note>

## What you can build

PocketBase works great for:

* **SaaS applications** - User authentication, data storage, and file uploads in one package
* **Mobile backends** - Native support for iOS and Android via the Dart SDK
* **Real-time apps** - Built-in WebSocket support for live data updates
* **Admin panels** - Automatic CRUD interfaces with customizable access rules
* **Prototypes** - Go from idea to working backend in minutes

## Open source and free

PocketBase is licensed under MIT, which means you can use it for anything—personal projects, commercial applications, or paid services. The entire codebase is available on GitHub.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="View on GitHub" icon="github" href="https://github.com/pocketbase/pocketbase">
    Star the repo, report issues, or contribute to the project
  </Card>

  <Card title="Join the community" icon="discord" href="https://pocketbase.io/docs/how-to-use">
    Get help, share your projects, and connect with other developers
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Ready to start?

Follow the quickstart guide to launch your first PocketBase instance in under 5 minutes.

<Card title="Quickstart guide" icon="play" href="/quickstart" iconType="duotone">
  Install PocketBase and create your first collection
</Card>